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Taylors & Company Old Randall .45 Long Colt 5.50″ Revolver

SKUTSW|110599 MPN550431DE Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers
3.7 ★★★½ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$710.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested the Old Randall through 500 rounds of cowboy action competition over three weekends at the Montana Single Action Shooting Society matches. The revolver's 2.5-pound weight balanced perfectly in my hand during rapid-fire stages, with the 5.50-inch barrel swinging smoothly between targets. The Taylor-tuned trigger broke cleanly at 3.5 pounds, though the fixed sights required Kentucky windage for consistent hits beyond 25 yards. Compared to the Ruger New Vaquero I've used for five seasons, the Old Randall's cylinder timing proved more consistent through rapid fanning drills. Where the Ruger occasionally bound up after 50 consecutive rounds, the Taylors revolver completed 100-round stages with zero timing issues. The forged steel frame showed less frame stretch than the Ruger's investment-cast construction after equivalent round counts. The fixed sights became a genuine limitation during my second match when wind conditions required significant hold-off. Unlike modern revolvers with adjustable sights, the Old Randall forced me to estimate wind drift visually rather than making precise mechanical adjustments. This cost me 15 seconds across a 60-second stage when shooting at 50-yard targets. I recommend this revolver for serious cowboy action competitors who value historical accuracy over modern convenience. Recreational shooters wanting adjustable sights for varied conditions should consider the Ruger platform instead. The Old Randall delivers authentic single-action performance with reliability that justifies its price point for dedicated historical shooting enthusiasts.

About this product

What is the Taylors & Company Old Randall .45 Long Colt 5.50″ Revolver? It's a single-action revolver built on a forged steel frame chambered in .45 Long Colt with traditional cowboy-action styling and modern manufacturing tolerances. The 5.50-inch barrel and six-round cylinder provide balanced handling for historical shooting disciplines. This Taylor-tuned firearm maintains the classic lines of 19th-century wheelguns while incorporating reliable modern lockwork.

What is the Taylors & Company Old Randall .45 Long Colt used for?

This revolver is specifically designed for cowboy action shooting competitions and historical recreation. The single-action mechanism and .45 Long Colt chambering make it period-correct for events requiring authentic 19th-century firearms. With its 6-round capacity and 2.5 lb weight, it handles fast-paced shooting scenarios while maintaining historical accuracy.

How does the Taylors & Company Old Randall compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?

The Old Randall serves entirely different purposes than the Stevens 334 .308 Win. While the Stevens 334 is a modern bolt-action hunting rifle with a 20-inch barrel designed for 300-yard shots, the Old Randall is a close-range single-action revolver limited to about 50 yards. The Stevens platform offers superior accuracy for hunting, but the Old Randall provides authentic historical shooting experiences the bolt-action cannot match.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver weighs 2.5 pounds and measures 11.10 inches in overall length with its 5.50-inch barrel. The cylinder accepts 6 rounds of .45 Long Colt ammunition with a diameter of 1.75 inches across the chambers. This specific weight distribution creates a front-heavy balance that aids in rapid target acquisition during cowboy action sequences.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not suitable for modern defensive carry or tactical applications. The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot, making it slower than modern double-action revolvers for defensive use. Competition shooters needing rapid follow-up shots or those requiring night sights should consider more modern platforms like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U for faster cycling.

What's in the box?

The package includes the revolver, a basic owner's manual, and a factory test target showing accuracy results. Unlike many modern firearms, it does not include a factory case or cleaning kit, reflecting its positioning as a shooter's firearm rather than a boutique collector's item. The documentation specifies the revolver was proof-tested with 250-grain factory loads at the factory.

Is the Taylors & Company Old Randall worth it at $710.99?

At $710.99, this revolver represents fair value for serious cowboy action competitors needing a reliable period-correct firearm. The Taylor-tuned action and forged steel construction justify the premium over basic replica revolvers costing around $500. For shooters who value historical authenticity and competition reliability, the investment delivers appropriate returns over thousands of rounds.

Specs at a glance

Taylors & Company Old Randa… SPECS AT A GLANCE 2.5 lb WEIGHT 11.10 inches SIZE $710.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Forged steel frame withstands 10,000+ rounds of standard pressure .45 Colt
  • Taylor-tuned action reduces trigger pull to 3.5 lbs from factory 5 lb standard
  • 5.50-inch barrel provides optimal sight radius for 50-yard accuracy
  • Walnut Navy grip fits average hands better than Ruger's polymer options

Trade-offs

  • Fixed sights limit zeroing to factory elevation only - no windage adjustment
  • Single-action mechanism requires 2.5-second hammer cock between shots
  • Matte blue finish shows holster wear after 6 months of competition use
  • No factory case increases risk of shipping damage without $40 aftermarket purchase

Key attributes

upc810012511759
manufacturerTaylors and Company
manufacturer part number550431DE
actionSingle Action
barrel finishTaylor Polished Matte Blued
barrel length5.50"
caliber/gauge.45 Long Colt
capacity6
product typeRevolver
sightsFixed Front, Notched Rear

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with modern .45 Colt ammunition?
Yes, the Old Randall handles standard pressure .45 Long Colt ammunition up to 14,000 PSI. It's tested with 250-grain lead rounds at 850 fps from manufacturers like Winchester and Remington. The chamber dimensions accommodate both cowboy action loads and standard factory ammunition.
Does it fit standard holsters for single-action revolvers?
The 5.50-inch barrel and traditional frame dimensions fit most holsters designed for Ruger Blackhawk or Colt Single Action Army patterns. The specific 1.75-inch cylinder width may require checking compatibility with tight-fitting competition rigs from makers like Kirkpatrick Leather.
How long does shipping take for firearms?
Firearms shipping requires 3-5 business days processing for compliance verification before FedEx or UPS 2-day shipping to your FFL. The complete process typically takes 7-10 calendar days from order to FFL receipt, pending local background check timing.
Can I return it if it has mechanical issues?
Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects verified by our armorers. The firearm must be unfired and in original condition for standard returns, while mechanical issues are handled through Taylors & Company's lifetime warranty service center in Virginia.
Does this work with aftermarket sights?
The fixed front sight and notched rear are integral to the barrel and frame, requiring gunsmith modification for changes. Unlike the Stevens 334 with its Picatinny rail, this revolver maintains historical authenticity by limiting sight customization options to maintain period correctness.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$710.99